![]() ![]() Gemstones are a popular material to include. For this reason, images of Buddha have been included in jewelry with other religion's symbols such as Om or hamsa hands, tree of life images and peace signs. You don't need to be Buddhist to appreciate the connotations of acceptance, love and goodwill. The lotus is also typically seen as it is an integral part of Buddhist symbology. In jewelry, Laughing Buddhas are often incorporated with other Chinese symbols. It is assumed these two images became synonymous due to the similarity in name, both were Buddhists and according to legend Budai revealed himself as an incarnation of Maitreya Buddha (a future transcendent Buddha) before he died. Hotei is an image based off a Chinese Zen monk named Budai who is typically depicted as jolly and associated with generosity. Thin Buddhas are modeled after the original Siddhartha, while the Laughing Buddha came from China and is actually Hotei. It was the goal of those seeking the Four Noble Truths to achieve a state of nirvana free from ignorance, greed, hatred or defilements. Buddha was said to discover Dharma, which is a belief in moderation: avoiding self-indulgence or self-mortification. He renounced princehood and left to study with top religious teachers, adopting a life of asceticism before becoming enlightened. Meaning ''awakened one'' or ''enlightened one,'' Buddha was a man famous for his intellectual journey to find the meaning of happiness. Especially perfect for cat lovers' jewelry, felines have been appreciated in many cultures throughout history including the Japanese, Egyptians and more. Sometimes there are Japanese letters on the cat, some have collars or bibs, others are brightly colored. These cats do not have to be a certain color, size or of similar decoration. Both paws up was not a common original depiction, but is prevalent today, perhaps hoping to bring both types of fortune.Ĭats are not uncommon in jewelry, and the Maneki Neko fits right in, especially when incorporated with other feel-good imagery, good luck charms and coins. Traditionally, if the right paw is up the cat will bring good fortune, while the left paw up brings wealth. Maneki Neko come in all shapes and sizes and inspires happiness. The cat then came to her in a dream telling her to make a statue of the cat and sell it. Legend has it a woman was so poor she had to sell her cat. Coming from Japan, these cats are put in store windows, restaurants, homes, cars, jewelry and more. These adorable kitties are called Maneki Neko though they are often referred to as beckoning cats or lucky cats. ![]() Alternative jewelry styles have used ankhs in styles with jagged or dagger-like ends and sentimental jewelry has been known to turn the loop into a heart as a symbol for eternal love. Other popular Egyptian-themed symbols sometimes incorporated with ankhs include the wedjat eye, pyramids, snakes or cartouche-like ovals. This symbol is popular for rings, necklaces (simple pendant or large collar styles), earrings and bracelets including upper arm bracelets reminiscent of Egyptian fashion. Ankhs were sometimes worn as talismans promoting longevity. Egyptian deities were occasionally depicted holding an ankh by the loop. The symbol has been seen with extra decoration in the form of other hieroglyphics, scarabs and wings (relating to the goddess Isis or god Horus). The character stood for life, and more specifically eternal life. The ankh, also called breath of life, key of the Nile or ''handled cross,'' is the most familiar Egyptian hieroglyphic. Interested in common religious, cultural or other iconography to include in designs? Learn meanings and design information, including which are used in weddings, to make meaningful designs for yourself or your customers. Incorporating cultural symbols in jewelry is not a new concept, though it has seen a boost in recent popularity. By Leslie, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® ![]()
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